Saturday, October 31, 2009

Offering both day and night races in one event, the newly built Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit in Abu Dhabi is considered by many as the best in the world.

With a circuit length of 5.554 km, the tract combines high speed straights and corners in varying degrees similar to the modern anti-clockwise tracks of Turkey, Bahrain and Singapore. The KERS cars of Ferrari and McLaren will prove to be an advantage here.

While majority of the races are scheduled in daytime, Singapore last year made history by sponsoring the first Formula 1 night race in Asia and the rest of the world. This weekend, however, will prove to be another groundbreaking event for F1. Spectators will be treated to a combined day and night race— the first ever in the world.

Race day starts with drivers basked in the Arabian desert sun and end at night with stars literally sprinkled over Yas Marina.

55 laps of street track racing will entertain 50,000 fans of the premier motorsports event highlighted by some final drives of the season. The top speed will be achieved at over 310 km/hr while the average will be pegged around 200 km/hr.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso drives into the sunset with French team Renault as the Spanish ace moves to Ferrari alongside Brazilian Felipe Massa next season while highest paid driver world champion Kimi Raikkonen leaves Ferrari to think about a possible team up and return to former team McLaren or welcome a new drive with Japanese giant Toyota.

Williams will bid goodbye to engine supplier Toyota and welcome Cosworth in 2010, one of the most successful manufacturers in F1.

Rubens Barrichello will need an aggressive drive this week against Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel as the Brazilian hopes to place second in the Driver’s Championship which was won by Brawn teammate Jenson Button in Interlagos 2 weeks ago. Rubens is expected to join Williams next year.

And on a happy note, world champion Jenson Button will finally drive without the pressure this week of a points finish and concentrate entirely on racing.

Friday first practice saw Finnish driver Heiki Kovaleinen of McLaren Mercedes posting the fastest lap times but today’s Qualifying and Sunday’s Main Race will be a different event. This season has already proven to be full of surprises and anyone could be pulling off a trick or treat of their own. Watch out!